{"id":20753,"date":"2026-05-21T15:45:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/us-brings-criminal-charges-against-former-cuban-president-raul-castro\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T15:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:45:19","slug":"us-brings-criminal-charges-against-former-cuban-president-raul-castro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/us-brings-criminal-charges-against-former-cuban-president-raul-castro\/","title":{"rendered":"US brings criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div data-testid=\"ad-sticky-container\" class=\"sc-37562b78-0 iLENDS\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 evuabm adWrapper noPrint sc-1c01c11e-0 jLbRED\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\" readability=\"5.5588235294118\">\n<div readability=\"7.1470588235294\">\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">Updated <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-05-21T07:43:15+10:00\">May 21, 2026<!-- --> &mdash; 7:43am<\/time>,<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" data-testid=\"wbr-separator\" class=\"sc-a243f860-1 jIzAbi\"><\/span><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">first published <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-05-21T05:20:56+10:00\">5:20am<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"><\/aside>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"27\">\n<p><strong>Washington: <\/strong>The United States has brought murder charges against former Cuban president Ra&uacute;l Castro, in a major escalation of the Trump administration&rsquo;s campaign against the country&rsquo;s communist government.<\/p>\n<p>The indictment, issued by a grand jury in Miami last month and unsealed on Wednesday (US time), charges Castro and others with four counts of murder, conspiracy to kill US nationals and the destruction of aircraft.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Raul Castro waves a Cuban national flag during a May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana on May 1, 2025.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.259,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.259%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/85d12e4a05623ad60a59f9886e34a0f51ecacf65 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/12-weeks-jail-for-school-it-support-technician-who-took-upskirt-videos-of-teachers\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">&lt;div&gt;12 weeks' jail for school IT support technician who took upskirt videos of teachers&lt;\/div&gt;<\/span><\/a><\/div><p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Raul Castro waves a Cuban national flag during a May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana on May 1, 2025.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Ramon Espinosa<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It relates to a 1996 incident in which two American civilian aircraft operated by a group of Cuban exiles known as the Brothers to the Rescue were shot down in international waters by Cuban military jets. Four men were killed.<\/p>\n<p>Acting US Attorney-General Todd Blanche announced the charges at a news conference in Miami attended by dignitaries, Cuban exiles and families of the victims, who cheered and applauded the government&rsquo;s actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"29\">\n<p>&ldquo;For the first time in nearly 70 years, senior leadership of the Cuban regime has been charged in this country &hellip; for acts of violence resulting in the deaths of American citizens,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Nations and their leaders cannot be permitted to target Americans, kill them, and not face accountability.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;President Trump has committed to restoring a very simple but important principle: if you kill Americans, we will pursue you, no matter who you are and no matter what title you hold &ndash; and in this case, no matter how much time has passed.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Audience members give a standing ovation as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, centre, speaks at an event where federal prosecutors announced charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.148,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.148%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/358a4a37d616a0fa7a52bbf589ecbf05f9764f0c 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Audience members give a standing ovation as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, centre, speaks at an event where federal prosecutors announced charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/migrant-acquitted-in-first-trial-over-us-border-military-zones\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">Migrant acquitted in first trial over US border military zones<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>Five other people are named as co-defendants in the indictment.<\/p>\n<p>Castro, 94, last appeared in public in Cuba earlier this month, and there is no evidence that he has since left the island or that the government would allow him to be extradited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"21.465458663647\">\n<p>Asked what steps the US was willing to take to get Castro to American soil, Blanche said there were many ways of getting foreign nationals to face justice.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"  \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.3377,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_5,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.3377%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_5%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/6521f170a7369b28348cba8782bf77164168e8db 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&ldquo;How we go about doing that depends on the circumstances of the case, and I&rsquo;m not going to go beyond that &hellip; But this isn&rsquo;t a &lsquo;show&rsquo; indictment. We expect that he will show up here by his own will, or by another way.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The indictment comes as Donald Trump pushes for regime change in Cuba, where Castro&rsquo;s communists have been in charge since his late brother, Fidel Castro, led a revolution in 1959.<\/p>\n<p>Cuba will be &ldquo;next&rdquo;, Trump has said multiple times, following the military operation to abduct then-Venezuelan leader Nicol&aacute;s Maduro in early January and the war in Iran that began at the end of February.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"31\">\n<p>Maduro was taken to New York and jailed to face charges related to drug trafficking, which were first levelled against him under the initial Trump administration in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Trump said it was an important day for Cuban-Americans, as &ldquo;a lot of people have suffered very big&rdquo;. Pressed on what he might do next to bring down the regime, he played down the prospects of US military intervention.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Donald Trump played down the likelihood of a military escalation against Cuba, suggesting the regime would collapse on its own.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.126,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4419bd05d48f775338607b59dfa719788304e9ae 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Donald Trump played down the likelihood of a military escalation against Cuba, suggesting the regime would collapse on its own.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;No, there won&rsquo;t be escalation, I don&rsquo;t think there needs to be. The place is falling apart, it&rsquo;s a mess. They&rsquo;ve really lost control of Cuba,&rdquo; Trump said.<\/p>\n<p>The US would have to provide humanitarian assistance, he added, as &ldquo;they have no way of living, they have no food, they have no electricity, they have no energy at all. But they do have great people.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"29\">\n<p>The Trump administration has imposed a naval blockade on Cuba and sanctions on other countries selling fuel to Havana, leading to crippling fuel, food and electricity shortages.<\/p>\n<p>On the same day the indictment was unsealed, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio &ndash; a Cuban American born in Miami &ndash; delivered a video message in Spanish addressed directly to the Cuban people, offering them &ldquo;a new Cuba&rdquo; with freedom and opportunity.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Cuba&rsquo;s government is a major blocker to the US providing financial aid.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.378,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.378%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/897919fdad0e271319df65d9e2ff427efff46ed5 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Cuba&rsquo;s government is a major blocker to the US providing financial aid.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Bloomberg<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The US was &ldquo;ready to open a new chapter&rdquo; in the two countries&rsquo; relationship, Rubio said, and could provide $US100 million ($140 million) in aid. The only thing standing in the way, he said, was &ldquo;those who control your country&rdquo;.<\/p>\n<p>After taking power, Fidel Castro struck an alliance with the Soviet Union and seized US-owned businesses and properties. The US has since maintained an economic embargo on the nation of about 10 million people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"20.255754475703\">\n<p>The two sides have talked intermittently over the years. Diplomatic relations briefly improved during former Democratic president Barack Obama&rsquo;s second term, but Trump has taken a harder line.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.6229,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_0,%24y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.6229%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_61\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/93883e0ea701af143fdbc16d90e434e04d9442f0 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said his government condemned the &ldquo;farce&rdquo; of the US charges against Raul Castro, calling them illegitimate.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It is an act that rests on lies and conceals duly documented historical truths about the events that led to the downing [of the planes],&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Rodriguez described Brothers to the Rescue as a terrorist organisation, and accused the Trump administration of terrorism through its deadly strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"24\">\n<p>Born in 1931, Ra&uacute;l Castro was a key figure alongside his older brother in the guerrilla war that toppled US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.<\/p>\n<p>He helped defeat the US-organised Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and served as defence minister for decades. He succeeded his brother as president in 2008 and stepped down in 2018, but remains a powerful behind-the-scenes figure in Cuban politics.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Raul Castro (centre) and his grandson Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro (left) with US president Barack Obama who visited the island in 2016.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.738,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.738%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/713e211b22b5df4f07bb620fd9b106dda8b952b9 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Raul Castro (centre) and his grandson Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro (left) with US president Barack Obama who visited the island in 2016.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Getty Images<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Castro was the defence minister at the time of the 1996 incident, in which two small planes were shot down and four men killed. The crew was a group of Miami-based Cuban exile pilots who said they were searching for Cuban rafters fleeing the island.<\/p>\n<p>The Cuban government has maintained that the strike was legitimate. Fidel Castro said Cuba&rsquo;s military had acted on &ldquo;standing orders&rdquo; to down planes intruding on Cuban airspace and that Ra&uacute;l Castro did &#8288;not give &#8203;a specific order to fire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"15.293307086614\">\n<p>The US condemned the attack and imposed sanctions, but didn&rsquo;t pursue criminal charges against either of the Castro brothers. The Justice Department charged three Cuban military officers in 2003, but they were never extradited.<\/p>\n<p>The International Civil Aviation Organisation later concluded that the incident took place over international waters.<\/p>\n<p><strong>With Reuters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what&rsquo;s making headlines around the world. <b>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-0 ksyHqK\">\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michael Koziol\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span>Michael Koziol is the North America correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political reporter in Canberra.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via X<span> or <\/span>email.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sc-df8e6ee0-1 iJvgCK\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-2 gcpFZE\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-3 fIPZKC\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><sub>US brings criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro<\/sub><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advertisement Updated May 21, 2026 &mdash; 7:43am,first published 5:20am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Washington: The United States has brought murder charges against former Cuban president Ra&uacute;l Castro, in a major escalation of the Trump administration&rsquo;s campaign against the country&rsquo;s&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/us-brings-criminal-charges-against-former-cuban-president-raul-castro\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;US brings criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20754,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}